March 10, 2004

DeCoito returns to Sox

By Matt O'Donnell/Appeal-Democrat

The Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox sometimes resembled a UC Davis reunion last summer.

Six of the first seven signings were Aggies. Manager Brad Peek does not plan to have such a Davis-heavy roster this summer, but he did re-sign Vince DeCoito, who is currently surging in his spring collegiate season.

DeCoito, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound sophomore right-hander, was one of three National Baseball Congress signings announced by Peek this week.

The other two are from a fellow Div. II school, Western Oregon: Junior catcher Greg McCarthy and freshman pitcher Nick Waechter.

DeCoito, who saw limited time for the Aggies as a freshman, is now their No. 2 starter.

“I saw him pitch Saturday and he was throwing about 87 (mph),” Peek said. “He had good movement on his fastball and his slider was working really well.”

DeCoito is 4-1 with a 2.91 ERA in 332/3 innings.

Davis is on a 10-game winning streak and is 16-6 overall, 13-3 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

McCarthy figures to share time with Sacramento State's Buddy Morales at catcher for the Gold Sox. He can also play first base or third base, Peek said.

“With the amount of games we play, we need two (catchers),” Peek said. “They'll switch off and on, but when they're not catching, they'll get a chance to be the designated hitter or play a position.”

McCarthy is off to a slow start with the Wolves, hitting .215, although he does have 12 RBIs in 19 games.

Waechter, a hard-throwing right-hander, is 1-2 with a 5.64 ERA, but has a tremendous upside, Peek said. Waechter has struck out 30 batters in 221/3 innings and recently fanned nine in a six-inning loss to Sonoma State.

“He throws in the upper 80s and he probably touches 90,” Peek said. “He has a very good fastball, but his slider, curve and change all need some work.”

Peek said assistant coach Chris Terry will not return this season because of family commitments. Peek said he's considering a few other coaches to take his place.

Notes: Former Gold Sox and DeCoito's teammates - Tyler LaTorre, Lukas Kirby and David Butterworth - are all off to strong offensive starts at Davis. LaTorre is hitting .442 in 18 games; Kirby is batting .302 with two homers and 10 RBIs and Butterworth is hitting at a .284 clip with three homers and 16 RBIs.

Appeal-Democrat assistant sports editor Matt O'Donnell can be reached at 749-4796. You may e-mail him at matt_odonnell@link.freedom.com.